MAKE HAJJ FRUITFUL (OCT 26, 2010)

MUSLIMS across the world have begun the journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. About two million Muslims world-wide perform the Hajj every year.
In Ghana, the first batch of 266 Muslim pilgrims was expected to leave for Saudi Arabia yesterday.
Hajj organisation in Ghana in the past had been characterised by delays in departure, sleeping in the open in the vicinity of the airport by prospective pilgrims, poor accommodation in Saudi Arabia, late return journey and loss of luggage.
But last year's Hajj saw a significant improvement, as the pilgrims were, for the first time, made to sleep in air-conditioned tents at the Hajj Village, leave for the Hajj without delay, return home on time and had their luggage intact.
It is reassuring that for the second year running, the National Hajj Committee (NHC), with support from the government and Zoomlion, has constructed the Hajj Village near the El-Wak Stadium in Accra to cater for the about 2,500 pilgrims expected to perform this year's Hajj.
Facilities at the Hajj Village include 500-capacity air-conditioned tents for pilgrims, washrooms, places for the performance of ablution, a clinic and offices for the NHC and Immigration officials.
The Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, yesterday inaugurated the Hajj Village, with a declaration that this year's Hajj would be problem-free and far more successful than last year's.
The Chairman of the NHC, Alhaji Alhasan Bene, said pilgrims would be more comfortable in the tents this year, as the capacity had been increased from 300 to 500 this year.
The Hajj Village has several advantages: It saves the pilgrims from sleeping under dehumanising conditions in the open before departure, allows them some privacy, while only prospective pilgrims and accredited members of the NHC and the Hajj task force are allowed into the Hajj Village.
Besides, the pilgrims receive medical care at the clinic and enjoy maximum security as they are protected by the Military Police, while Immigration officials have mounted their equipment to screen the documents and the luggage of pilgrims. Immediately after the inspection, the pilgrims are transported directly to the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to board their flights.
The annual construction of tents at the Hajj Village is good, but it would be better if permanent structures were put in place at a designated Hajj Village for pilgrims to observe this strong pillar of Islam.
That will ensure security, save cost and allow for effective planning and expansion of the facility.
The DAILY GRAPHIC commends Zoomlion for constructing the Village to eliminate the drudgery and hassle associated with the annual pilgrimage.
We wish the pilgrims a fruitful pilgrimage and hope that they will be good ambassadors of Ghana in Saudi Arabia.